Former Chilean President Ricardo Lagos to Give Opening Address at the American Sociological Association’s Annual Meeting in New York City

WASHINGTON, DC—The American Sociological Association’s (ASA) 102nd Annual
Meeting, whose theme, "Is Another World Possible?", will draw some 5,000-6,000
attendees to the Hilton New York and Sheraton New York on August 11-14. In
addition to featuring presentations on the latest sociological studies, this
year’s meeting boasts eminent speakers such as former Chilean President Ricardo
Lagos and Congressman John Conyers, Jr. (D-MI).

A wide range of social
science topics will be the focus of the meeting’s more than 550 sessions.
President Lagos, a key figure in Chile’s history, will speak about his country’s
peaceful transition to democracy after the brutal dictatorship of Augusto
Pinochet. With the world’s eyes on Iraq and Afghanistan, President Lagos’
opening panel, “Democratic Transition: The Example of Chile,” will explore how
the peaceful establishment of at least one democratic government was attained in
the 1980s and 1990s.

The theme of the 102nd ASA Annual Meeting is an
intellectual platform to explore the potential for progressive social change in
the United States and abroad. In explaining the theme, ASA President Frances Fox
Piven says, “Our world is changing very fast, and it is at times like this that
sociological analysis should be sharpest, most illuminating, and also most
useful. The ‘Is Another World Possible’ theme and our preoccupation with reform
have led us to plan a series of sessions that assess the potential for
progressive social change.”

Following its established tradition of
bringing renowned scholars and leaders to speak at the Annual Meeting, ASA this
year brings exciting discussion and debate to New York City, including
Congressman Conyers’ plenary session, “The Future of American Politics.” Through
eye-opening and innovative panels, workshops, and plenary sessions on American
electoral politics, popular culture, the politics of natural disasters,
immigration, the religious right, economic development, and the politics of
incarceration, the ASA Annual Meeting promises to educate and challenge
attendees and members of the press.

In addition, there will be sessions
on the conflicts in the Middle East, social movements in the global south,
reproductive rights, terrorism, religion and related movements, genocide in
Darfur and elsewhere, the role of NGO’s in global governance, Chinese
capitalism, and theorizing about another and better world.

The searchable
and PDF version of the preliminary program and press releases are posted on the
ASA website at www.asanet.org.

Media Opportunities at the Annual Meeting
include:• Interviews with high-profile sociologists• Releases of new
research findings• Newsworthy topics and exciting
presentations

Journalists are invited to attend all Annual Meeting
events. Press facilities will be located at the Hilton New York.

For more information, assistance reaching researchers, or a
printed copy of the preliminary program contact Sujata Sinha or Lee Herring at
the ASA’s Washington, DC, Press Office at 202-247-9871, pubinfo@asanet.org.
During the ASA Annual Meeting (Aug. 10-15), contact Sujata (703) 867-6365
(Mobile) or Lee at (202) 957-2006 (Mobile) in the Annual Meeting Press
Room.

# # #

About the American Sociological AssociationThe American Sociological Association (www.asanet.org),
founded in 1905, is a non-profit membership association dedicated to
serving sociologists in their work, advancing sociology as a science
and profession, and promoting the contributions to and use of sociology by society.